Kailh Box Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly impact your typing experience. Two popular options on the market are the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow. The Box Jade is a clicky switch, known for its medium-heavy feel and satisfying clicky sound profile. With its high-pitched and invigorating characteristics, it offers a crunchy tactile feedback that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is a linear switch that combines classic materials with cutting-edge engineering. Its 22mm double-stage spring provides a delightful bounce, making typing a pleasure. With a creamy and polished sound signature, this switch offers a familiar experience that enthusiasts adore. Its lightweight design ensures effortless keystrokes, resulting in a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches differ in terms of their effects on sound and feel. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those seeking a more precise and vibrant sound, while the WS Yellow's nylon top housing is suitable for those desiring a deeper and more mellow sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Box Jade and the WS Yellow switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, in terms of sound, the bottom housings of these switches share similar characteristics. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. So, while both switches produce a similar sound due to their nylon bottom housing, the overall feel when pressing down on the switches may differ slightly.
Although the Kailh Box Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches have different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound produced when letting go of a key. Therefore, while the top and bottom housing materials may differ, the overall sound and feel of the switches will be a combination of the characteristics brought by both housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Kailh Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Yellow is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Box Jade is heavier at 60 grams, whereas the WS Yellow has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly lighter.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may lean towards the WS Yellow, as the lighter bottom out force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This would make it a suitable choice for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find the Kailh Box Jade more fitting, as its heavier bottom out force provides a more pronounced tactile feedback.
While the actuation force of the WS Yellow is unavailable, it is important to note that the actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke. If both switches have a similar actuation force, users can expect a similar response when it comes to triggering keystrokes, regardless of the differences in bottom out forces. In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, while the WS Yellow offers a lighter bottom out force, providing a different typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box Jade being on the shorter side and the WS Yellow being slightly longer. However, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Box Jade a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel and depth may opt for the WS Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences for either a more efficient and responsive key press or a more satisfying and deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Yellow comes in at $3.50.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Box Jade switch is best known for its high-pitched clicky sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This sound is often described as similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Yellow switch is unknown, as there is no information provided. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch is described as having an accented tactile feedback, providing a prominent amount of tactile bump without being overwhelming. This means that the switch offers a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy feel when typing, creating an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch is described as having a creamy and polished feel. The creamy sensation is due to either lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used, resulting in a smooth and buttery typing experience. The switch is also mild in nature, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within the safe middle-ground zone. Lastly, the WS Yellow switch is polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish which results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Box Jade and WS Yellow switches offer different subjective qualities. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched clicky sound profile with crunchy tactile feedback, delivering a medium-heavy typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Yellow offers a creamy and polished feel, with a gentle typing experience and a familiar sound signature. If you are looking for a high-pitched and crunchy sound with accented tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the way to go. However, if you prefer a creamy and polished feel with a mild and gentle typing experience, the WS Yellow would be a better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the perfect choice for you. You'll appreciate the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps when typing on them. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with a smooth and fluid typing experience, the WS Yellow is an excellent option. Its lightweight design ensures effortless keystrokes, and the blend of materials provides a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Moreover, the WS Yellow offers a creamy, mild, and polished typing experience, making it approachable and comfortable for most typists. Ultimately, consider your desired typing experience, sound preferences, and the level of tactile feedback you want when selecting between these two switches.
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